Zavalita is a fictional character from the novel "La ciudad y los perros" by Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa. The story is set in a military academy in Lima, Peru, and explores themes of honor, friendship, and the struggles of youth. Zavalita, whose full name is Alberto Zavalita, is portrayed as a sensitive and introspective young man navigating the harsh realities of military life. Throughout the novel, Zavalita grapples with his identity and the expectations placed upon him by society and his peers. His experiences reflect the broader social and political issues in Peru during the 1950s, making him a significant figure in understanding the complexities of the time.